Melissa Leo was on hand for the Creative Coalition bash in Washington on Monday. / Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

by Arienne Thompson, USA TODAY

by Arienne Thompson, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON - It's party time in the nation's capital, which means stars of all stripes hit the slew of post-inaugural balls taking place all over town.

Actors from film, television and the stage arrived at the Harman Center for the Arts in Chinatown to fete President Obama at a bash hosted by the Creative Coalition, a non-profit for the arts started by actor Ron Silver in 1989. The party took place in a space that is, appropriately, part of the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

And yes, even Academy Award winners get awestruck.

"My favorite (moment) was to be standing outside with all my fellow Americans. It was a very moving speech. I didn't know I would be moved, and in fact I was," said Oscar winner Melissa Leo, clad in Ralph Lauren.

Coalition members like David Arquette, Marlon Wayans and Evan Handler mingled inside the ball with a number of politicos, including Jesse Jackson.

"I still geek out when I come here," said Arquette, of his travels to Washington. "Seeing the pageantry and the celebration of America was really interesting. I love the talk about equality. It's about time that was mentioned by the president."

Jackson, too, was loquacious - and in a good mood. "We've been able to win the White House twice," he said of his political party.

In particular, Obama's speech resonated with Jackson. "The American dream and the American promise came together today very well," said Jackson. "He talked a lot there about equality. We must even the playing field."

Actor Giancarlo Esposito wasn't in town purely for the politics: "I love to go to the museums. You can't get a cab, and I realize how beautiful the city is."

Partygoers listened to music by '90s rock band the Goo Goo Dolls. The band's lead singer, John Rzeznik, explained why he was in tune with Obama's politics: "It was really obvious for me because of his positions on women's issues and gay rights, which is really a human issue. His beliefs mesh with mine."

And despite a more subdued inaugural weekend as compared with 2009, entertainers were still excited to see history in the making as Obama was sworn in for a second time on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Handler, Charlotte's better half on Sex and the City, praised Obama's oratorical skills. "It's great. It was a good speech today," he said, adding that he's been a longtime member of the Coalition. "I was last with them at the Republican National Convention, so this is a very different atmosphere."

And of course, what about Beyoncé's stunning performance of the national anthem? "The singing was absolutely gorgeous," said Leo.

But the chilly winter weather wasn't for everyone attending the outdoor ceremony. "I was too cold to be inspired. Hopefully this term everyone plays nice and we get some things done," said Wayans.